Musical instruments including a grand piano, a set of congas and a variety of flutes are scattered throughout Jeff Abrams' home, but the true testament of his dedication to music is in his backyard.

A number of times a year, Abrams transforms the space off Shepherd into a concert venue, setting up rows of chairs, a sound system and a stage for touring folk artists and blues musicians.

For Abrams, 56, it's worth the effort. He does it for the songs and the bonds that can be built over music.

"It's just something that hits me," said Abrams, who works as a mediator for alternative dispute resolutions. "A song will come on, and it just kind of touches my soul. I love to listen to it. I love to see it live. I get such enjoyment out of it."

He bought his house in Montrose 20 years ago and said it did not take long before he began throwing casual get-togethers there.

A close friend, Rachel Ferguson, suggested that Abrams try hosting a house concert.

Abrams enjoyed the event enough to consider hosting another and trying his hand at organizing it himself.

"Slowly but surely, it grew over the years," he said. "They were always fun; so I never found a reason to stop."

At first, he mailed invitations. These days, he sends notices via email. The invite list is so long that he doesn't bother keeping up with the number.

He said neighbors have been very understanding of the concerts. Visitors to the shows park along the street, sometimes parking several blocks away.

Abrams only invites bands that he enjoys. He finds acts at the Kerrville Folk Festival or other venues, and he also gets a lot of requests.

Some of his favorite shows in his backyard so far have been Trampled Under Foot, a blues trio out of Kansas City, Missouri; Austin-based singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson; Ellis Paul, a folk musican from Maine; and Baskery, a trio of Swedish sisters who perform folk rock.

To attend, Abrams asks for donations ranging from $15 to $25, and every penny goes to the performer. The crowd ranges from 100 to up to 300.

Everyone who attends is also asked to bring an item for the potluck dinner and whatever drinks they would like to enjoy.

More Information

Want an invite?

Jeff Abrams is preparing for his next house concert, which will be on Saturday, Oct. 25. The featured artist will be Austin rocker Patrice Pike. To receive an invitation, email Jeff Abrams at mediator7@aol.com.

Often, Abrams will invite a local band to open for the touring act. He also hosts annual fundraisers for local organizations.

Guests come early, stay through the sets and usually remain long after the stage is cleared.

"I have a lot of musician friends," Abrams said. "So, it turns into a jam. The jams go until 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. They're the second half of the party."

Abrams often joins in on flute.

"I picked up the flute by serendipity my freshman year of college," he said. "I became enamored. I would carry the flute with me wherever I went."

The purchase of his first flute was the start of a collection of instruments.

In addition to the flutes, grand piano and congas, Abrams has a spare bedroom containing instruments including saxophones, guitars, an accordion, an organ and bongos - to name a few.

A variety of flutes rests on stands at the ready for when Abrams wants to play. And stacks of vinyl records offer an alternative when no one is around for a jam session.

Abrams searches for more instruments when he travels. He invites guests at this house concerts to try out the items in his collection.

"I can't play piano, but people at my house concerts can," Abrams said. "So, I keep one around."

The featured musicians often make an appearance at the after-party jam sessions.

"Sometimes the informal side of playing a show like Jeff's - it's a party in a way, like playing to a gathering of friends - is just a welcome breather after being on the road for 200 dates," Ellis Paul said. "You pull in and you feel taken care of, and there's an informal freshness to the show.

"These aren't the same people who come out to the clubs and festivals," Paul said. "These are people who are here for the event. It's a party."

Jomonica Phoenix, an active member of the Houston Blues Society, is one of the regular guests at the house concerts.

"I have been attending Jeff Abrams' house concerts for many, many years - longer than I can remember," she said. "They are family friendly in a close neighborhood situation."

Phoenix said the events are important for the community, because Abrams offers a wide selection of music that appeals to a variety of people.

"He provides a venue that makes it possible for a diverse crowd to attend and enjoy," she said.

Abrams said he enjoys the events as much as his guests.

"I feel like I have a better time than anyone," he said. "As long as that continues, I'll continue to do it."